Everest base camp is one of the most inspiring places in the world among the majestic Himalayan giants and the traditional settlements of Sherpas.
Everest base camp trek is one of the high elevation treks in the world that challenges the physical and mental abilities of the trekkers. The destination of the trek is the base camp to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. The trek is known for its diversity in terms of terrain, elevation, temperature, flora and fauna to human settlements.
One is blessed with the views of mountain giants like Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Changaste, Amadablam, Thamserku, Kusum Kanggru, Khumbila and many others. Along with the beauty of nature, the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people with their unique lifestyles, cultures, dances, festivals and monasteries make the trip more enriching and remarkable.
The trek is equally rich in biodiversity with the frequent sightings of monkeys, snow leopard, musk deer, jackals, Pheasants, long-tailed birds, and many others. The trek is a perfect mix of thrill, tranquility, culture and nature. The best season to complete the trek is from March to May in spring and September to November in autumn. You need to trek up to the elevation of 5545m for the breathtaking views of the mountains and to be close to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest.
One of the main concerns of the trek is the elevation of the different points in the trail. Everest Base camp trek is a high elevation, moderate difficulty trek that requires proper caution and preparedness. To prevent any kind of mishap such as altitude sickness, it is better to be properly acquainted with the elevations of different points in the trek.
Everest Base Camp Elevation
Below is a detailed description of the elevations according to the itinerary of EBC trek.
Kathmandu: Trekkers first enter Nepal via Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu at an elevation 1350 meters.
Day 1: Kathmandu – Lukla
From Kathmandu, you will take a 30-minute flight to Lukla at 2804 meters. The airport in Lukla is located between a hill and a cliff and is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world.
Lukla – Phakding
Once you land in Lukla, you will start the journey to Phakding right away. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach Phakding at an elevation of 2610 meters.
Day 2: Phakding – Namche Bazaar
From Phakding, you pass through dense pine forests along the Dudh Koshi River to reach Namche Bazaar at 3440 meters. You enter Sagarmatha National park on this day and trek for a total of 6-7 hours to reach Namche Bazaar.
Day 3: Rest day at Namche
As we enter a region above 3000 meters, our body needs time and rest to adapt to the altitude. As the altitude increases, the density of oxygen decreases making it hard for the brain and the body to function properly. The rest day provides enough time for the body to acclimatize to the increasing elevations.
You can rest in Namche Bazaar or go around for short hikes. People usually go to Syangboche airport around Everest View Hotel. You can enjoy splendid views of the Himalayas from this viewpoint.
Day 4: Namche – Tengboche
From Namche, you head to Tengboche at 3800 meters. The trek passes through beautiful trails with the views of mountain giants and some animals like musk deer and Himalayan Thar. After crossing another pine forest, you reach Tengboche which is an excellent place for mountain views and a visit to Tengboche monastery at 3860 meters, the largest monastery in Khumbu region.
Day 5: Tengboche- Dingboche
The trek from Tengboche is an easy fun walk through chortens, Mani walls and small villages. After 6 – 7 hours you finally reach Dingboche at an elevation of 4350 meters.
Day 6: Dingboche rest Day
After another 1000 meters ascent, you take another acclimatization day at Dingboche. A famous detour from Dingboche is a hike to Chhukung via the Imja Khola valley. The highlight of the short tour is the massive south wall of Lhotse. You return back to spend the night in Dingboche.
Day 7: Dingboche – Dugla – Lobuche
From Dingboche, you keep ascending until you reach Dugla. From Dugla, you have to cross the steep terminal moraine of Khumbu glacier. With the majestic views of Khumbutse, Lingtren, Mahalangur, and Pumori, you spend the night at Lobuche at 4920 meters.
Day 8: Lobuche – Gorak Shep
From Lobuche, you pass through the lateral moraine of Khumbu region to reach Gorak Shep at 5180 meters. Everest comes into view along with other mountain giants and Kala Patthar, the knoll beneath mount Pumori. You spent the night at Gorak Shep.
Day 9: Gorak-Shep – Base camp – Lobuche
From Gorak Shep, you will pass through the side ridge of Khumbu glacier for about one and half hours to reach the Everest Base camp area. The base camp is at an elevation of 5360 m with clear views of the Khumbu glacier and icefall. Base camp is the closest you can reach to Mt. Everest without the use of climbing gear. After enjoying the lap of Mount Everest, taking photographs and mingling with other trekkers, you trace your steps back to Lobuche.
Day 10: Lobuche- Pangboche
From Lobuche, you descend to Pangboche at 3985 meters. Pangboche is famous for one of the oldest monasteries in the region which is believed to house the remains of the Yeti. It is a fun visit while you are staying in Pangboche.
Day 11: Pangboche- Namche Bazaar
From Pangboche, you descend through Tengboche. The trail is rich in flora and fauna and you can witness some beautiful flowers and animals along the way. You spend the night in Namche at 3441 meters.
Day 12: Namche Bazaar- Phakding
From Namche, you retrace your steps to Phakding and spend the night at an elevation of 2610 meters.
Day 13: Phakding – Lukla
From Phakding, you descend to Lukla at 2804 meters.
Day 14: Lukla – Kathmandu
From Lukla at 2804 meters, you take a flight back to the capital city, Kathmandu at 1350 meters.
These are the elevations of different points where you will be spending your days and nights during the trip. It is important to be wary about the symptoms of altitude sickness as you cross the elevations of 3000 meters and 5000 meters respectively. While the symptoms might be mild around 3000m, they may get severe around 5000 meters. One should not ascend more than 300-500 meters in a day to spend the night. Even though you go higher during the day, it is advised to spend the night at lower elevations by descending. Hope the elevations help you to tackle the hurdles of Everest base camp trek and have a memorable experience.
